Top Ten Things to Do in Rwanda

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One of Ker & Downey’s Africa specialists Sara Kramer just returned from a three-week trip to Tanzania and Rwanda where she trekked gorillas and got to know some of the locals. Here are her top ten things to do in Rwanda. Add them to your next journey!

10. Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and try your hand at making Sorghum flour.

The Iby’lwacu Cultural Village was set up as a way to curb poaching and increase conservation efforts by providing a way for ex-poachers to make an income and support their families. A visit to the village offers a change to participate in the community’s daily activities and provide a hands-on experience while learning about their culture and traditions.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund began habituating golden monkeys in 2002 and guests have only been able to view them since 2003. Head deep into golden monkey territory with your guide for an up close and personal view of the monkeys in their natural habitat.

8. Learn all the different ways to say hello in the local language, you’ll use this a LOT.

Venture deep into the forest suspended 130 feet above the ground on the Nyungwe Forest National Park canopy walk. It’s 295 feet long and gets you eye level with the different primate species and various bird life.

5. Dip your toes into Lake Kivu.

Feel the sand between your toes and dip your feet in the turquoise waters of Lake Kivu in the middle of of Africa. It’s the world’s 18th deepest lake and is surrounded by mountains, outcrops of rocks, and beautiful green terraced tea plantations for strikingly dramatic scenery. It’s one of Rwanda’s best-kept secrets!

4. Try Sambaza in Gesenyi (it’s the most fresh here).

Gesenyi is a town located on the shores of Lake Kivu, so the Sambaza, a local delicacy of fried sardines, is freshest here. Enjoy while you watch the fishermen on the lake, and head down to the port at sunset to catch the fishermen singing their songs.

The memorial center commemorates the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and is built on the site where over 250,000 people are buried. The permanent exhibit is a powerful memorial to the hundreds of thousands of people that lost their lives and acts as an educational facility for young children who may not remember the genocide, but are profoundly affected by it.

2. Wake up early to enjoy a cup of local Rwandan Coffee or Tea and watch the sunrise.

Dian Fossey spent 20 years studying the mountain gorillas in the park and today, over half of the gorillas that still live in the wild are found in the park. The experience of seeing the gorillas up close and personal is something that’s hard to put into words. It’s surreal, unexpected, and exhilarating all at the same time. It truly is one of the most magical experiences you will ever have in your lifetime.

For more information about our top then things to do in Rwanda, or adding Rwanda to your next Ker & Downey journey, please contact your Travel Professional. Stay up to date on all of Ker & Downey’s online content by “liking” our Facebook page.